Prosthetic Arm Design and Simulation System - RERC on ...

PADSS <strong>System</strong>
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<strong>and</strong> the prosthesis is modeled from components specified <strong>and</strong>
configured by the prosthetist.
As a basis for comparing different designs, the PADSS
calculates <strong>and</strong> displays the workspace volume <strong>and</strong> contact map.
The workspace volume defines the space around the person in
which the prehension device can be positioned. The contact
map shows the area on the body of the modeled client that can
be touched with the tip of the prosthetic prehensor. The
workspace volume illustrates reach; whereas, the contact map
highlights near-body space. Both are important for activities
such as self-care.
Still under development, the PADSS shows intriguing
possibilities for prosthetics education <strong>and</strong> component design,
in addition to its target role as a clinical tool. ❖
2
Contact map showing areas (in darker shading) that can be
touched by the prehensor of the proposed prosthesis. Shaded
area on face indicates that the subject should be able to bring
food to the mouth.
This work is supported by the National Institute on Disability
<strong>and</strong> Rehabilitation Research. The first PADSS version
was implemented by Michael Redding, who joined the project
in fulfillment of his Master of Science degree. The author wishes
to recognize Mr. Redding for his significant contributions to
this work.
Northwestern University PRL & <strong>RERC</strong> welcomes vistors
from both sides of the globe
Applying prosthetic <strong>and</strong> orthotic advancements to the lives
of amputees may be influenced in Australia, the United Kingdom
<strong>and</strong> Europe by research <strong>and</strong> practices at Northwestern University
PRL & RERP. Sharing research <strong>and</strong> practices was part
of some of the visits to the University this summer. The research
being conducted at Northwestern has attracted interest
in many parts of the world <strong>and</strong> was the reason that three groups
chose to travel to Chicago to learn more.
University of Strathclyde
As part of their advanced studies, nine students <strong>and</strong> an
accompanying lecturer, Karyn Ross, from the National Centre
for Training <strong>and</strong> Education in <strong>Prosthetic</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Orthotics, University
of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotl<strong>and</strong>, chose to visit Northwestern
University PRL & RERP to see first h<strong>and</strong> the ongoing
research projects being conducted by Dudley S. Childress, Ph.D.,
Director, staff members <strong>and</strong> graduate students. On July 26, the
Strathclyde University students spent the day touring the laboratories
<strong>and</strong> hearing lectures on upper-limb prostheses, aided
ambulation, human mechanics measurement <strong>and</strong> computerized
methods.
The group also studied methods used in prosthetics <strong>and</strong>
orthotics at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in the
Chicago area. Their studies in the United States also included
visits to facilities in Boston, MA. Prosthetists <strong>and</strong> orthotists
from many European countries receive part of their education
at University of Strathclyde. Students visiting NU PRL & RERP
included: Cheryl Clark, Alison Cockshoot, Jennifer Fergusson,
Katerine Jansen, Joane Leon, Marvin Martin, Francine Mitchell,
Robert Rooney <strong>and</strong> Mohammad Sallak.
Bendigo Health Care Group
A three person team from the Amputee Best Practice
Demonstration Unit at Ann Caudle Centre in Bendigo, Victoria,
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Capabilities (ISSN 1055-7156) is published in April, July, October
<strong>and</strong> January by Northwestern University’s Rehabilitation
Engineering Research Program. Program Director, Dudley S.
Childress, Ph.D. Editor & <strong>Design</strong>er, Jan Little
Subscription is free to all individuals interested in prosthetics <strong>and</strong>
orthotics. For contribution guidelines <strong>and</strong> advertising inquiries, write
to the address below. Address subscription information, address
changes <strong>and</strong> other correspondence to: Capabilities, Northwestern
University RERP, 345 E. Superior St., Room 1441, Chicago, IL
60611.
Copyright 1995 Northwestern University Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Program. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any
means of the entire contents or any portion of this publication without
prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Limited copying for
educational purposes is allowed.
Capabilities/October 1995 Northwestern University <strong>Prosthetic</strong>s Research Laboratory & Rehabilitation Engineering Research Program